Our DogTrekker writers know dog-friendly California like your pup knows the treat jar—intimately and enthusiastically. Whether sniffing out beaches in San Diego, dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma, hiking trails in the Sierra, or cozy mountain cabins near Big Bear Lake, we're your trusted guides for dog travel. From bustling cities to hidden wilderness gems, we fetch reliable tips, insights, and local secrets to make traveling with your four-legged friend effortless. Trust DogTrekker to lead you and your pup to tail-wagging dog travel adventures across dog-friendly California.

Dog-friendly dining and events in Pleasanton and Danville

Pleasanton and Danville in the East Bay welcome dogs at street fairs, pooch parades and dozens of patio restaurants. From wine tasting at Garre Winery to browsing pet boutiques, these towns know how to treat four-legged visitors.

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Reserving a camping spot for Spot

Booking a dog-friendly campsite in California takes planning, especially at popular coastal and mountain spots that fill up months ahead. Here is a guide to reservation resources, strategies for snagging last-minute cancellations, and tips for scoring first-come sites on weekends.

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Top spots for soaking up mountain majesty

Beat the summer heat at high-elevation campgrounds across California's mountains. From Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra to Lake Alpine near Angels Camp, these scenic spots pair stunning views with cool nights and dog-friendly trails.

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Five woofy waterfront campgrounds

Five favorite waterfront campgrounds where dogs can splash and play, from Big Lagoon in Humboldt County to Pismo State Beach on the Central Coast, with stops at Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz and Big Sur along the way.

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Senior dogs with a lot of living to do

Senior dogs still have plenty of living to do. Meet Shelley, a 16-year-old on wheels at Lily's Legacy Sanctuary, and Louie, a playful Muttville alum who just found his forever home. Their stories prove age is just a number.

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Stop and smell the roses — and everything else

California's dog-friendly botanical gardens make perfect outings for leashed pups and their people. From the ocean-view Mendocino Botanical Garden to the UC Davis Arboretum, these scenic spots offer easy paths, picnic grounds and year-round beauty.

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Paws to the (nice, flat) path

Not every dog needs a mountain summit. Flat, paved paths like the Iron Horse Regional Trail in the East Bay and the Whoop De Dogs trail in Angwin offer easy walks with great scenery and plenty of sniffing opportunities.

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Muttville’s 10 tips for traveling with senior dogs

The team at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue shares 10 practical tips for traveling with older dogs, covering what to pack, how to keep them comfortable on the road and ways to help them enjoy the destination.

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Mobility assistance for your senior dog

A veterinarian shares practical tips for helping dogs with mobility challenges, from yoga-mat pathways on slick floors and toe grips for traction to supportive harnesses and ramp training for getting in and out of vehicles.

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Best water activities for senior dogs in California

From gentle beach outings and pond-side cottage stays to houseboat adventures on Lake Shasta, California offers plenty of water-friendly activities suited to senior dogs who still love a good splash.

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Kayla puttin’ on the Ritz

DogTrekker's Kayla put on the Ritz at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, where dogs get cozy beds, gourmet treats, and weekend Yappy Hours on the Backyard Terrace featuring canine cocktails and locally made dog bones. The pampering starts the moment you…

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Gold Country flower power five favorite dog-friendly hikes

Spring wildflowers light up Gold Country trails from February through May. Here are five favorite dog-friendly hikes, including Hite Cove near Yosemite, Hidden Falls in Placer County and Buttermilk Bend along the South Yuba River.

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El Dorado County’s adventure loop

The El Dorado County Adventure Loop packs 45 miles of Gold Country exploration into one weekend, with dog-friendly hiking at Cronan Ranch, wine tasting at Jose Wine Caves and Gold Rush history in Coloma.

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Sacramento’s dog-friendly craft breweries

Sacramento leads the nation in craft breweries per capita, and most of them welcome dogs. From Track 7 Brewing Co. in Curtis Park to Oak Park Brewing and Bike Dog across the river, pups and pints pair well here.

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Dog-friendly Paso Robles wine country

Paso Robles wine country rolls out the welcome mat for dogs at dozens of wineries along the Highway 46 wine trails. Hop-on tour services and private guides make it easy to sip and explore without driving.

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Dog-friendly beaches of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo County's coastline is loaded with dog-friendly beaches, from leash-required state strands at Pismo and Cayucos to the off-leash fun at Olde Port Beach in Avila, where bonfires and ball-chasing await.

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Service dog etiquette for pets and people

Good manners around service dogs matter for pets and people alike. A guide dog handler shares advice on when to ask permission, how to approach and why controlling your own dog around working animals is so important.

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Sit, stay and snore in dog-friendly San Francisco

San Francisco may be the most dog-friendly city in California for overnight stays. From the vintage Ocean Park Motel near Fort Funston to Victorian B&Bs in the Mission, the options for pup-welcoming lodging are endless.

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